interaction

[in-ter-ak-shuhn]

noun

1. reciprocal action, effect, or influence.

2. Physics.

   1. the direct effect that one kind of particle has on another, in particular, in inducing the emission or absorption of one particle by another.

   2. the mathematical expression that specifies the nature and strength of this effect.

interaction

/ ˌɪntərˈækʃən /

noun

1. a mutual or reciprocal action or influence

2. physics the transfer of energy between elementary particles, between a particle and a field, or between fields See strong interaction electromagnetic interaction fundamental interaction gravitational interaction weak interaction electroweak interaction

Other Word Forms

• interactional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interaction¹

First recorded in 1825–35; inter- + action

Example Sentences

The approach allowed them to observe interactions that normally happen too quickly to track.

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Pathway has identified what Stamirowska calls equations of reasoning, fundamental mathematical axioms that explain how intelligence emerges from smaller, local interactions in the brain, she said.

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Fellow LBC presenter Clive Bull said that before Hayes arrived, there had been very little genuine interaction between presenters and callers on UK radio.

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A former ICE official, who asked not to be named out of fear of retaliation, said that in prior years the U.S. attorney’s office “didn’t prosecute hardly anybody” for assault — unless the interaction turned violent.

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While interactions were limited for health reasons, this partnership ensured that the research reflected community priorities and contributed to a fuller understanding of the living heritage of the region.

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Related Words

• communication 
• cooperation 
• synergy